For Motorcyclists
- Thread starter Will-C
- Start date
hardee":2d57wik2 said:Curious if any of the C-BRATS have ever done the "Run For The Wall" ride
https://rftw.us/
in either part or all. This coming year is the 30th anniversary ride. I'm wondering if there are and Brats who might be considering it?
OK, I know it is not boating but the connection comes in that it's dates conflict with the normal Friday Harbor CBGT times.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
I have posted this earlier and am bumping it back, I guess in hopes that some may have had some time to ponder.
Still curious if anyone here has or is considering doing this ride. This will be the 30th anniversary ride, and I am considering doing it. I know there are a few riders out there, and a good number of Veterans. What I don't know is how many are one in the same.
Please, PM me if you would rather than post in the thread.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
starcrafttom
Active member
I cant wait for the bike to hit the us market. And I can not wait to see what the after market shops come up with. I have to save up for this one, any one want to sell or buy a house for the cause?? Cause I need the money..
Would like to do a run for the wall but just dont have time like you retires.
Would like to do a run for the wall but just dont have time like you retires.
thought this was clever
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/moto ... 85041.html
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/moto ... 85041.html
hardee":23v6vxwc said:Since we couldn't go to Canada this year, Did anyone do a ride, long short or in the middle? Or have you been staying under the roof and away from the bug?
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
We're about 2 1/2 months into our summer in the Black Hills, with lots of great riding...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L6-slZH5qo
journey on
New member
Posted by Minnow, back in 22012:
Regarding the ride down the trail, through the snow. Riding out in the Mohave Desert, the course once in a while went down a ridge. Not as long as the video, and I can't remember snow on a ridge, but still a ridge.
So, I remember one, with the wind blowing sideways, guys walking their bike along and I rode it. Faster you went, easier the ride. I later talked to the fast guys, and they didn't remember it as rough, went right through. I began to understand the difference between the "fast" ones and me was enormous. Their reflexes were just faster.
The guy riding down that trail was Shane Watts, noted for his successes in extreme enduros. His confidence must have been high. Light snow has good traction, if I remember.
That said, for me it would have been a dream only. For him, it's another way to prove to us how good he is. BTW, he wasn't the first down that trail. And certainly better than I.
Boris
Regarding the ride down the trail, through the snow. Riding out in the Mohave Desert, the course once in a while went down a ridge. Not as long as the video, and I can't remember snow on a ridge, but still a ridge.
So, I remember one, with the wind blowing sideways, guys walking their bike along and I rode it. Faster you went, easier the ride. I later talked to the fast guys, and they didn't remember it as rough, went right through. I began to understand the difference between the "fast" ones and me was enormous. Their reflexes were just faster.
The guy riding down that trail was Shane Watts, noted for his successes in extreme enduros. His confidence must have been high. Light snow has good traction, if I remember.
That said, for me it would have been a dream only. For him, it's another way to prove to us how good he is. BTW, he wasn't the first down that trail. And certainly better than I.
Boris
thataway":3dhmfmka said:
My Vespa GTS is about 350 pounds; Joan's Yamaha Xmax is close to 400 pounds - they travel behind us in an enclosed FeatherLite cargo trailer. The trailer also makes a great "portable garage."
And for Jody: well, "Hill Goats" just sounds silly, so I'm staying with "mountain." Terry Peak, here in the Black Hills advertises itself as "the highest skiing east of the Rockies." Harney Peak (apparently now called Black Elk Peak) is the highest point in the state at 7242'. Not as majestic as the Tetons, but I like this area, too. 8)
hardee":djreovxa said:Jim, Thanks for the link to your video. NICE. Except for those narrow, black tunnels. Yikes. I didn't see any stop lights there. Never been fond of being a hood ornament. But, Yes, someday I am going to ride through SD, and see some of those sites.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Ya take a look through the tunnel before you start rolling. :wink:
The Black Hills is blessed with some spectacular riding roads. Iron Mountain Road was designed to be unique: 17 MILES, 314 CURVES, 14 SWITCHBACKS, 3 PIGTAILS, 3 TUNNELS, 4 PRESIDENTS, 2 SPLITS. It is anchored on either end by Mt Rushmore, and Custer State Park, two of the most visited destinations in the Black Hills. Most motorcyclists have heard of "Tail of the Dragon," I prefer Iron Mountain Road. And, while it gets the most attention, there are SO MANY other great rides in the Black Hills: all of Custer State Park (Needles Highway, the Wildlife Loop, Playhouse Road, Hwy 16A), Highway 244 that passes Mt Rushmore, Old Hill City Road, Nemo Road, Vanocker Canyon Highway, Spearfish Canyon Scenic By-Way, Boulder Canyon Highway, Norris Peak Road, Highway 385 (I call it "the backbone of the Black Hills), Neck Yoke Road, South Rockerville Road, and many more.
There is a reason the Harley Owners Group (HOG) rates this area as a "must do" every year. And that isn't adding in the other good roads in nearby Wyoming and Montana. The San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands are some spectacular cruising in a relatively compact area - that's what this Black Hills area is to motorcycling. If all one does is pass through on I-90, you are missing 99.62% of what the Black Hills is all about. :wink:
We lived in this area for almost 30 years, and I never took the riding for granted... somehow it seems even more special to be able to come back and visit during the good riding months.
If this whole being re-retired thing doesn't work out for me, I may consider a job with the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association. 8)
Oh, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1hh7plwOn4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKNFIQOGpQs
Just a ride-through for me this year - too many people, not enough following safety procedures. And that video was shot on an especially quiet day during the Rally.
Thanks Jim. Those mountain roads are to you what the San Juans are to me. So, If it's not to big of a secret, what do you consider are the best riding months? AND, I'm hoping they are not the Sturgis Rally months.
I totally agree about the safety concerns. I'm in NM for a bit, and I see folks riding all the time, no gear, no helmet, and I don't get that. And Yes I know, it might be hot weather, but there is hot weather gear available.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
Nancy and Bud
New member
Jim B. you are a real trouble maker. You know I'm bike less and haven't really changed my mind till your video! :x
You guys are having much too much fun on those scoots.
Thanks for sharing.
You guys are having much too much fun on those scoots.
Thanks for sharing.
Harvey: the "good riding months" are any time it isn't cold and snowy. :wink: May through September can be great. Indian Summer in October can be a treat. Yes, the roads are crowded with bikes during the Sturgis Ralley, but the riding is still good. A few days ago, we got behind a slow-moving Jeep (I don't know why, but it is always a MN license plate that is going to be pokey) that took some of the fun out of that stretch of road. So, you pull off, have a drink of cool water, then move on. While September can be great, the weather here is going to turn to crap today, with a chance of snow in the higher elevations tonight through tomorrow. But, it'll be good riding again in a couple days.
Bud: I know how much you've enjoyed riding over the years. I would not be the one to encourage you to get back on two wheels... but I thought I was done riding 7 years ago, and then Joan suggested we get a couple scooters. I scoffed at that idea... and then bought a couple scooters. That BMW scoot was a bit of a behemoth... those first small scoots we bought were SO easy. We stayed away from the highway stuff until getting these more capable scoots. We are having more fun now than... well, you know.
Foggy: I usually skip over your posts, but your Grandma was right, bless her heart. If you don't play the game, you don't get to make the rules. :monty My dear ol' Irish Grandmother used to remind me about what Lenny Bruce said "if they can't take a joke."
Bud: I know how much you've enjoyed riding over the years. I would not be the one to encourage you to get back on two wheels... but I thought I was done riding 7 years ago, and then Joan suggested we get a couple scooters. I scoffed at that idea... and then bought a couple scooters. That BMW scoot was a bit of a behemoth... those first small scoots we bought were SO easy. We stayed away from the highway stuff until getting these more capable scoots. We are having more fun now than... well, you know.
Foggy: I usually skip over your posts, but your Grandma was right, bless her heart. If you don't play the game, you don't get to make the rules. :monty My dear ol' Irish Grandmother used to remind me about what Lenny Bruce said "if they can't take a joke."
Thanks Jim. I guess I was looking for when are the roads least crowded, in general, but then, there might not be a General, SD. Yup, do love a good Indi--- (ahhh First Nations, Native American, American Indian, oh well, just plain) Indian Summer. October has always been my favorite month outdoors.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
October is a crap shoot in the Black Hills. I used to call September/October "mellow time," because the tourists were mostly gone, but the weather is still generally good. No idea how the tourist situation is going to play out - the resort where we are members has bookings above last year for September. A lot of people left yesterday... having to get back home after the holiday weekend, no doubt, but also because we saw a bit of snow this morning when we got up! :shock: It is supposed to be back in the 70s by the weekend.
Really, we have had very little issue with finding uncrowded roads when we're here... but we stay away from the most popular roads on the weekends and have plenty of other good places to ride.
I gave you "the highlights" earlier, but when you're ready to ride here, I'll give you more details... kinda like fishermen not giving away their best spots. :wink:
Really, we have had very little issue with finding uncrowded roads when we're here... but we stay away from the most popular roads on the weekends and have plenty of other good places to ride.
I gave you "the highlights" earlier, but when you're ready to ride here, I'll give you more details... kinda like fishermen not giving away their best spots. :wink:
Certainly and Thanks again Jim. I am hoping to get that ride in next year. Understandable that you don't have a crystal ball. Don't think I have been through Sturgis since it became a "thing". My parents lived and worked in several places in SD over about 12 years, but left not long after I was born, then we went back many tomes over the next 6 years, so I remember several of the places there. Since boating has been a priority for the last few years I haven't covered much dry ground. That will increase as I do some re-prioritizing.
Thanks for the incite and offer. :wink:
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Thanks for the incite and offer. :wink:
Harvey
SleepyC :moon